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Croatian Cities, Destinations

Varaždin

Varaždin is situated very importantly in terms of its geography as it is  the northwest gate of Croatia. Until the great fire in 1776, when two thirds of the city burned, Varaždin was the capital of Croatia. The Old City fortress is the greatest attraction of Varaždin and it is a ‘not to be missed’ destination for every visitor. Today, the Old City castle is the museum of Varaždin. Varazdin was first recognized as a borough in the12th century. Korzo is its central street and a favorite gathering place for the citizens and their guests. A little outside of the city, there is a carefully decorated promenade along the Drava River which offers an unique experience and great relaxation.

Climate

Varaždin has a mild continental climate. Winters are cold with the possibility of snow, and summers are short and warm. In the summer,temperatures reach up to 35 º C, and in the winter they descend to below zero.

Sights

Old City is the greatest attraction of Varaždin and it is unavoidable destination for every visitor. Today, the old city is a museum of Varaždin. The fortress was first mentioned in 12th century.

Many sacred buildings, as well as Baroque palaces are located in the historic centre of Varaždin. The church of St. Nicholas was built in the Romanesque style, and today the cathedral is a Jesuit church in the city center. Capuchin monastery is an example of simple architecture, and the Ursuline convent  is one of the earliest Baroque churches in Croatia.

The Croatian National Theatre building is one of the the most significant examples of history, and in the centre of the city is the statue of Gregory of Nin, by the famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Varaždin city cemetery is a wonderful blend of architecture and lush greenery. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Croatia.

Activities

The swimming pool in Varaždin provides everything you need for relaxation and recreation. If you want to spend the time outdoors and enjoy  the nearby rivers, Mura and Drava one can rent a boat, canoe or kayak. Likewise, the mountains and hills that surround Varaždin are extremely suitable for picnics, walking and cycling.

Various festivals are held in Varazdin. Špancirfest is famous throughout the country and beyond. Every year, several thousands of visitors attend. It is held each year in late August. There are numerous street performers,displays of the old crafts, theatrical performances and performances by domestic and international musicians who entertain visitors every day.

Varaždin Baroque Evenings have successfully maintained the rich tradition of the city’s Baroque music for decades. It is held in late September.Međunarodna Novogodišnja Utrka or the  International New Year’s Eve Race is a somewhat different activity. On New Year’s Eve, at midnight many contestants gather to run a marathon through the city streets.

Must see

Korzo is a central street and a favorite gathering place for the citizens and their guests. A bit outside the city, there is a carefully decorated promenade along the Drava River which offers an unique experience and relaxation.

The Trash Film Festival is an exciting festival of low budget films exclusively of the action genre, science fiction, martial arts and horror. It takes place in September, and the winner receives a Golden Chainsaw. The award pays homage to the cult film, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

General Info

Croatian Time Zone

Time zone is a term for different times in the world. The world is divided in 24 parts and each of them have different times. When you travel east, you will have to add hours to your initial time zone time, and if you are traveling west, you will subtract hours (an hour per time zone both ways).

Croatia is a part of the Central European time zone, UTC +1, and in summer time it is a part of the European Summer Time zone (EDST) (due to the European summer time change).

Daylight savings time

Daylight saving time (DST) or in Europe (EDST) is the practice of advancing clocks so that evenings have more daylight and mornings less. The clocks are adjusted forward one hour near the start of spring and backward in autumn.

In Croatia, the clocks are forwarded on the last Sunday in March and go backwards on the last Sunday in October. Be sure to account for the time change if you are coming to Croatia in that period.

GMT and UTC

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is a time system originally referring to mean solar time in Greenwich, London, and later became adopted as a global time standard. Starting from Greenwich to the east should be added for each time zone one hour or subtract an hour moving westward.

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) was introduced in 1972. and the term Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is no longer in use.

Croatian Cities, Destinations

Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia, and it is located in the northwest part of the country. It is situated on the southern slope of the Medvednica mountain and at the coast of the Sava river. Because of its convenient geographic position, Zagreb is located on the important road junction between Middle and South East Europe and Adriatic sea.

According to the last people census, Zagreb has 790.016,00 inhabitans. The city is celebrating its day on the 31th of May, which is a day of Our Lady of the Stone Gate. Various cultural, sport or gastronomic manifestations are held all over the city on that day.

Area of the city was inhabited even in the stone age. It was inhabited by the Illyrians, Celts and Romans. In the Ščitarjevo, village near Zagreb, Romans built large center, Andautonia. Today, Andautonia is an archaelogical park available for visitors.

Origin of Zagreb is mentioned for the first time in the year 1094, with formation of the Kaptol village. Besides Kaptol, there was another village called Gradec. Zagreb had turbulent history. Kamenita vrata or the Stone Gate, Popov toranj or the Priest’s tower are witnesses of that time. With growth of those two villages, city expanded on the lowlands. Square with its trading purpose eventually was formed. Today it is a Square of ban Josip Jelačić, which makes the central part of the city with its famous fountain Manduševac. Every day in the year, precisly at noon, the Grič cannon fires from Lotrščak tower and  reminds us on the restless times city went through.

Historical parts of the city, Upper town with Kaptol and Down town are considered to be central parts of Zagreb nowdays. Variety of architecture from the baroque to the present day is presented in these parts of the city.

Climate

The climate of Zagreb is classified as an oceanic climate, near the boundary of the humid continental climate. Zagreb has four separate seasons. Summers are warm, and winters are cold, without a discernible dry season. The average temperature in winter is -0.5 °C (31.1 °F) and the average temperature in summer is 22.0 °C (71.6 °F). Temperatures rise above30 °C (86 °F) on an average 17 days each summer.

Sightseeing

Every year Zagreb is expanding its schedule of cultural events with various festivals, exhibitions, events and theater performances. City is responsible for 10 museums, from which the most important ones are Museum of the city Of Zagreb, Museum of Arts and Crafts and
Museum of Contemporary Art.

The city is also an owner of seven theaters. Besides theaters and museums, the central cultural institutions could easily be considered Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb and Concert hall of Vatroslav Lisinski.

Mirogoj, main cemetery in Zagreb is located in the northern part of the city. It was built in the late 19th and early 20th century according to a design of famous architect Herman Bolle. Many famous people from croatian history are buried in the arcades which stand out with their exceptional beauty.

Activities

Being the largest city in Croatia, Zagreb offers a variety of amenities to make its guests more comfortable and spend more quality time outdoors. Maksimir Park, the historic park that was established in the 18th Century is located east of the city center. The park is surrounded by beautiful greenery and it provides immense pleasure to every visitor. Zagreb Zoo is also located in the park.

Recreational center Jarun with an artificial lake arranged for swimming and with a rowing trail is located in the southern part of the city. Variety of events are maintained at all times at the lake, and it is the perfect place for walking, biking, skating and other activities. When you get tired of all the activities that the lake offers, you can relax in bars and restaurants along the promenade.

Besides the lake, a popular resort is the mountain Medvednica famous by its peak Sljeme and the medieval fortress Medvedgrad. Sljeme is known world wide thanks to the maintenance of ski Cup, Snow Queen, while Medvedgrad is attended because of the numerous legends throughout the history.

Tourist Board:

Grad Zagreb

Kaptol 5
10000 Zagreb
+385 (0) 1 4898 555
dsarajlic@zagreb-touristinfo.hr
www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr

Croatian Cities, Destinations

Slavonski Brod

In the valley between the river Sava and the hill Dilj lies the old town of Slavonski Brod. The highway Zagreb – Lipovac is passing through Slavonski Brod linking Europe with the Middle East. The city is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural because it is located on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is rich in culture, tradition and knowledge in certain crafts.

Climate

Slavonski Brod is located in the zone of continental climate with relatively mild winters and warm summers. This climate favors the vineyards and farming. The forests here are mostly centuries-old oak.

Slavonski Brod then and now

Historical remains in Slavonski Brod are Franciscan Monastery and the Brlić family house. The Brlić family, writers and linguists, found inspiration there. The famous Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić wrote there too. There are now salons where exhibitions are held. We have to mention Fortress Brod which is literally a fortress that protected the city. It is so durable that the enemy would took ten days to prepare for the assault and 46 days for the occupation of the fort. The fort is now a world heritage monument and a unique example of fortification architecture in 18th century.

Activities

Throughout the year, Slavonski Brod is living a full life. In January, there is St. Vinko and traditional programs that celebrate this wine patron. April is dedicated to children’s events, May for auto and Moto rally, and in June there is the oldest folklore festival in Croatia – Brodsko kolo.

Do not miss

A little cozy hotel Eko Garten is located in Slavonski Brod. It cherishes tradition, but emphasizes that eco in it’s name. For example, they offer eco-ethno wellness where you can try the wine or beer bath. And if you’ve ever wanted to try a bath in apples, you’ve come to the right place. If we didn’t attracted you yet to Slavonski Brod, we will mention that it was voted the most beautiful city in Croatia in year 2009.

Tourist Board

Brodsko-Posavska

Petra Krešimira IV. br. 1
35000 Slavonski Brod
+385 (0) 35 408 393
turisticka-zajednica.bpz@sb.htnet.hr
www.tzbpz.hr

Slavonski Brod

Trg pobjede 28/1
35000 Slavonski Brod
+385 (0) 35 447 721
info@tzgsb.hr
www.tzgsb.hr

Famous Croats

Slavoljub Penkala

The great Croatian inventor, Slavoljub Penkala was born on the 20th of April in 1871. He was born in the Slovak town of Liptovsky St. Miklauš named Eduard. With moving to Zagreb, it changes it into Croatian name Slavoljub.

Life in Slovakia

From his early childhood, Penkala had an interest in physics, chemistry and mechanics. He disassembled and reassembled clocks to study their mechanism. Penkala especially enjoyed watching the butterflies whose wings silhouette would be responsible for the realization of a great dream.

After finishing the elementary and high school, he started studying medicine in Vienna. Penkala soon quited medical proffesion and enrolled at the Royal Technical University in Dresden, where he graduated in Chemical Engineering. He spoke five foreign languages and was an exquisute musician, even though he was only an amateur.
Life in Croatia

After the wedding with pianist Emilia Stoffregen, they moved to Zagreb. Their home became then The Square of Emperor Franz Joseph, house number 15 (in present day it is Square of King Tomislav number 17) became their home. Penkala later opened his first workshop there at that adress.

Ministry of Finance in Budapest appointed him as a Royal measures controller. Penkala signed oath to Ministry of Finance, with Croatian name Slavoljub. That change wasn’t approved by Hungarians, while Croatian public was thrilled with Penkala’s patriotism. In that period, Croatia was under strong influence of Hungary.

Work and inovations

Penkala was intensely devoted to inventing his work. During his career, he patented eighty inventions in the fields of mechanics, chemistry, physics and aeronautics.

His first invention was a bottle, forerunner of a thermos bottle in 1903. That was followed by rotating toothbrush, detergent in which none of the investors didn’t see the potential. He even patented manometer, helicopter rotor blades, insecticide, anode battery and flashlight.

On 24th of January in 1096. he patented that made him famous. It was a mechanical pencil that he patented under his surname – penkala. Product became famous worldwide. So he could keep up with immense orders, Penkala signed collaboration with industrialist and invetor Edmund Moster. They co-founded the Penkala –Moster company in Zagreb. The company is now known as TOZ – Zagreb Pencil Factory.

Every free moment of his time, Penkala has spent enjoying outdoors with his son. He was especially drawn to by butterfly called Neptis Lucilla. Because of its wing silhouette, Penkala got the idea for construction of first aeroplane in Croatia and in this part of Europe. Aeroplane, called Neptis Lucilla had his first flight in June of 1910. For first successful flight credits went to first Croatian pilot, Dragutin Novak. Penkala invested by himself entire profit from selling all of his other inventions in the realization of the project.

Penkala suddenly died on the 5th of February in 1922. Many people came to his funeral. There is a monument placed in his honor in Park of great scientist of Croatian science and technology in Technical museum, city of Zagreb. The last goodbye his friends said by using the words: Creator of Penkala left his name for eternity.

Famous Croats

Ivan Lupis

Torpedo – lat. Torpedo mramorata (torpedo fish)

Inventor of the torpedo, Ivan Lupis was born in Rijeka, on 28th of January in 1813. He attended high school and then nautical school there in his hometown. Further education Lupis got at Naval Military Academy in Venice.

Ivan Lupis started his military career as a cadet in service at Austrian Navy. He was dedicated to his work and a conscientious naval officer. He was promoted to a Captain of a frigate. He took part in the war of Venice against Sardinia.

Torpedo as an idea

Main idea for the construction of a torpedo was to defend city from attack by sea.

First torpedo was designed and constructed between the 1860. and 1864. It was a small crew-less boat with the explosive charge. It was operated by using the sails. It was operated from the shore using two ropes connected with the rudder. Collision with an enemy ship would cause an explosion.

Lupis named the torpedo Salvacosta – savior of the coast. He presented his first invention with the subsequent and improved one to Ministry of War. His ideas were rejected every time.

Improving the torpedo idea

Lupis in 1864. made an association with an engineer Robert Whitehead, Stabilimento tecnico fiumano (Rijeka’s technical company). Giussepe Cota, future Rijeka’s mayor connected Lupis and Whitehead who became their manager.

They improved the first model and presented it to Ministry of War in 1866. The invention was accepted. It was an underwater torpedo with compressed air motors with automatic depth control and the default route.

Until the appearance of torpedo, there was a rule in naval battles and that is – large ships fought the large ships, and small ships fought the small ones. Torpedo equated the power. In thirties of the last century, Lupis and Whitehead began the production of aircraft torpedo. Since then, torpedo can also be launched from the air. Due to successful project, Whitehead moved to Rijeka and established the first torpedo factory in the world.

Inventor of the torpedo, Ivan Lupis, retired in 1874. and he passed away a year later. He left behind one of the most influential inventions in the history of seafaring and naval battles.

Famous Croats

Faust Vrančić

Faust Vrančić is a genuine representative of renaissance. He was born in 1551 in Šibenik. His interest range was very wide. He was a famous scientist, diplomat, engineer, polyhistor, royal secretary, priest and a bishop.

Education and work

Faust’s uncle Antun Vrančić took care about his education. His uncle was a famous and respectable diplomat and Hungarian primate. As a young boy, Faust went to Hungary where he gained interest in specific directions of in humanistic sciences.

After his elementary education, he finished study of philosophy and law. He became a member of Croatian fraternity of Saint Jerome in Rome and a secretary of King Rudolph II. in Prague. Presence on a royal court, encouraged Vrančić to study natural sciences and engineering. His everyday contact with famous scientists, such as astronomers Tyche Brache and Johannes Kepler, encouraged him to be even more dedicated to his work.

After his work in Prague, Vrančić moved to Dalmatia and Italy. King Rudolf II. appointed him a bishop of Chanad and as a Royal advisor for Hungary and Transylvania.

He was oriented at the field of comparative lexicography. In 1595. he published a five – languaged dictionary with 5,000 entries for each language: Latin, Italian, German, Croatian and Hungarian. He named it Dictionary of five noblest languages of Europe (Dictionarium quinque nobilissimarum Europae linguarum, latinae, italicae, germanicae, dalmaticae et ungaricae). Dictionary was published in six editions, from which three were internationally published.

Machinae novae and introduction to technical sketches of Leonardo da Vinci

In 1605. Vrančić left the Royal court and joined the Barnabites of Saint Paul of Tarsus. He was especially dedicated to construction of bridges, organization of agriculture and problems of upstream river flow. He improved regulation of the flow of Tiber river, and he built fountains in Venice.

His close friend introduced him to technical sketches of Leonardo da Vinci. Those sketches inspired Vrančić for exploring machine constructions. As a result of his researching, Vrančić published another book in 1595., Machinae novae (New machines). It was one of the most significant pieces in technical field in seventeenth century. It contains construction of 59 different devices related to engineering. Book also contains a parachute display – Homo volans ( flying man). Vrančić tested it himself.

Although at that time the famous Leonardo da Vinci had rough parachute sketches, Vrančić was the first one who published them. His parachute was in a quadrangular form, and the da Vinci’s one was in pyramidal form. All drawings were done in cooper etching which made the book the most beautiful one of that time in Croatia.

Because of his illnes, Vrančić left Rome wishing to spent his last days in Šibenik. Along the way, he stopped in Venice, to publish Logica nova. He past away there, on 27th of February in 1617. According to his last will, Vrančić was buried in Croatia, at island of Prvić, near Šibenik.

Memorial center Faust Vrančić was opened at Prvić luka on island of Prvić.

Croatian Cities, Destinations

Pula

Pula is situated at the south-west tip of the Istria peninsula, and it is the largest city of the Istria County. Beautiful intact nature, blue sea and mild climate makes the city a popular tourist destination.

City is more than 3,000 years old, its history begins with the arrival of the Romans so the majority of roman architecture is located in Pula. Back then, the city was called Colonia Pietas lulia Pola.

Climate

Pula is known for its mild climate with an average air temperature of 13.7 °C (56.7 °F) (6.1 °C (43.0 °F) in February to 26.4 °C(79.5 °F) in July and August) and sea temperature from 7 °C (45 °F) to 26 °C (79 °F).

Sights

The thing that makes Pula special are already mentioned remains of roman architecture. An amphitheater Arena, build in the 1. century is definitely the most famous historical building. In the roman times it was an inevitable location of the gladiator fights, and today it is in use for various cultural manifestations from film festivals to concerts.

Among the other historical buildings that are witnesses of the Roman period, Triumphal Arch of Sergius truly stands out. Together with the Twing Gate and the Gate of Hercules which is the oldest monument of that kind in Pula. Augustan Forum was built close to the sea and was a forerunner of the Arena.

Sacral buildings date from various periods. Byzantine chapel of St.. Maria Formosa in the form of a Greek cross, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Romanesque and Byzantine characteristics and renovated parts in the Gothic style and the Orthodox Church of St.. Nicholas were all built in the 6th century. The monastery and the church of Sv. Francis with its famous dual pulpit are somewhat younger and originate from the 13th century. Monastery and church of Sv. Anthony with the bell tower of 45 meters is the highest building in Pula.

Activities

As a tourist destination, Pula cherishes many sports related to the sea. Besides swimming, the beaches are available for a variety of activities that provide an extra dose of adrenaline. There are also water polo clubs, rowing, sailing and swimming. If you are looking activities on solid ground, you can discover the city by walking, riding a bike or enjoy in a game of soccer, volleyball, or martial arts.

Among the cultural activities, Pula continuously hosts famous domestic and international musicians. Pula film festival is held every summer and it is also known worldwide. Open Air Cinema at Kaštel is opened seasonally so you can watch great movies under the stars in the romantic atmosphere.

Must see

You can not miss roman architecture in Pula, even the narrow streets of the old city district are tiled with ancient Roman panels. Twenty fortresses which are located around the city makes Pula’s fortification and represented the city’s defense. More about the history of the city and the region you can find out in the Archaeological Museum of Istria.

Beautiful National park Brijuni are located very close to Pula. Because of the many islands and diverse flora and fauna, Brijuni are often called as the paradise on earth.

Contact info:

Tourist Board

Istarska

Pionirska 1
52440 Poreč
+385 (0) 52 452 797
info@istra.hr
www.istra.hr

Pula

Forum 3
52100 Pula
+385 (0) 52 219 197
info@istria-pula.com
www.istria-pula.com

Events in Croatia

Renaissance festival in Koprivnica

Truly unique historical festival in this part of Europe is based on a faithful view of lifestyle in the 15th and 16th century, and it is held in late August in the city of Koprivnica. This period is of great importance for Koprivnica because the Renaissance fortresses which hide exciting stories were built then.

The entire complex of medieval fortresses during the festival returns back in time and provides an unforgettable experience for every visitors. Visitors can meet the knights and their maidens, peasants, innkeepers and learn something about the old crafts. The festival area is filled with camps, tents, towers and weapons of that time. There is a medieval theater, while the entertainers of that period provide an exciting entertainment.

Festival is very proud to the fact that plastic items will not be used. Entire cuisine and beverages offer will be served in wooden and ceramic dishes. Special attention is paid to the medieval brewing industry and to a beer preparation on that way. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste nettle beer out of authentic ceramic jugs. In fact, thanks to the nettle plant, Koprivnica got its name. Besides beer, there is also a diverse offer of wines from nearby vineyards and old Croatian beverage, mead.

There will be more than thousand domestic and foreign costumed participants at the festival, while the number of visitors increases every year. The entire festival is spiced up with traditional dishes prepared by the original recipes, with the show, which includes fire and rich music background along with the attractive belly dancers.

Croatian Cities, Destinations

Split

Split is a city that lives slowly, in its slow rhythm. They say it’s not hard to get used to the boardwalk, full bars, squares and a refreshing breeze. Split is the second largest city in Croatia, as well as the second university center. Split is an important transport hub and the second largest harbor in Croatia. It is an intersection of road, air, marine and rail transport. The harbor is always crowded because from Split you can move to many Adriatic islands, such as Brač, Vis, Lastovo, Hvar, Korčula and other beautiful locations.

Climate

Split and the whole county, is in the Mediterranean climatic zone. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild and wet. The average temperature in Split is 26 degrees Celsius in summer and about 7 degrees in winter. Ideal for sightseeing!

Split before and now

Ages ago, in year 295, emperor Diklecijan began to build palace in Split. Today Diocletian’s palace is a distinctive part of the city and the inevitable tourist tour. Power alternated in Split after Diocletian. It was under the rule of Croatian kings, Venetian administration and even under the rule of the Austro – Hungarian Empire (read about Croatia’s history here). After World War II begins period of peace and dynamic development of the city. Split is a significant transport hub, and is increasingly popular tourist destination.

Activities

In a big city such as Split you certainly will have no problem to find an activity that will suit you. There are numerous museums, galleries and sports clubs. From Split you can visit one of the national parks or seek shade in the forest Marjan – mountain and forest park above Split. ” We’re going to Bačvice, Bačvice, the most beautiful beach in the world …” The song goes something like that. It also says that there are the most beautiful women in the world and the sand is amazing. Bačvice are the most popular sandy beach in Split and cult location for playing picigin. In the evening all the swimmers move in night clubs and bars where the fun does not stop until the dawn. The offer is diverse enough that everyone will find something to their taste. There are rock clubs, techno rhythms and tropical atmosphere.

When you go to the beach you surely bring the ball with you. You gather your friends and pass the ball around in the shallows. Split perfected passing the ball around in the shallows so that the Picigin World Cup is held in the beach Bačvice. Picigin is a sport that is played in the water, and the goal is to keep the ball in the air as long as possible. Picigin is the most popular sport in Split, and an ideal location for this is precisely the beach Bačvice because it’s shallow and sandy. When you find yourself in Split try out picigin, but watch for the championship- there and qualifications, you will need to do your best!

Do not miss

Marulić days, Split Summer Festival, Split Film Festival, Mediterranean film festival … You can choose of the proposed, irrespective whether it is a movie, song or theater. Split is especially proud of the festival of popular music as it is considered the capital of Croatian music. Diocletian days are another part of Split tourism. All who love costume parties will enjoy this because during those days the participants try to show how life was during the reign of emperor Diocletian. The costumes are, of course, an important part of that. In those days, Roman legions are passing through town, the participants walk in tunics and togas, and there are sounds of trumpets, drums and Roman music. All this is complemented with street entertainers, a rich offer of food and drinks, concert and dance program. We want to point out something else – Dalmatian girls are one of the most beautiful women in the world, and especially girls from Split. So, order a long coffee in a cafe on the boardwalk, put on some sunglasses and enjoy the view!

Tourist Board

Splitsko-Dalmatinska

Prilaz braće Kaliterna 10/I
21000 Split
+385 (0) 21 490 032
info@dalmatia.hr
www.dalmatia.hr

Split

Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 7/1
21000 Split
+385 (0) 21 348 600
tz-split@st.t-com.hr
www.visitsplit.com